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"Religion is not a Technology!" - There needs to be a personal relationship there. - Father Ted Tyler
If the close relationship between the Last Supper and the mystery of Jesus' death on the Cross is emphasized on Holy Thursday, today, the Feast of Corpus Christi, with the procession and unanimous adoration of the Eucharist, attention is called to the fact that Christ sacrificed himself for all humanity. His passing among the houses and along the streets of our city will be for those who live there an offering of joy, eternal life, peace and love.

In the Gospel passage, a second element catches one's eye: the miracle worked by the Lord contains an explicit invitation to each person to make his own contribution. The two fish and five loaves signify our contribution, poor but necessary, which he transforms into a gift of love for all.

"Christ continues today" I wrote in the above-mentioned Post Synodal Exhortation, "to exhort his disciples to become personally engaged" (Sacramentum Caritatis, n. 88).

Thus, the Eucharist is a call to holiness and to the gift of oneself to one's brethren: "Each of us is truly called, together with Jesus, to be bread broken for the life of the world".

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Loving Means Acting Like The Good Samaritan

Today, for example, the liturgy invites us to reflect on the famous Parable of the Good Samaritan (cf. Lk 10: 25-37), which introduces us into the heart of the Gospel message: love for God and love for neighbour. But the person speaking to Jesus asks: who is my neighbour? And the Lord answers by reversing the question and showing through the account of the Good Samaritan that each one of us must make himself close to every person he meets: "Go and do likewise" (Lk 10: 37).

Loving, Jesus says, means acting like the Good Samaritan. And we know that he himself is the Good Samaritan par excellence; although he was God, he did not hesitate to humble himself to the point of becoming a man and giving his life for us.

Love is therefore the "heart" of Christian life; indeed, love alone, awakened in us by the Holy Spirit, makes us Christ's witnesses.source:vatican.va

Texts of St. Josemaría:

Our Lady was a guest at one of those noisy country weddings attended by people from many different villages. Mary was the only one who noticed the wine was running out. Don’t these scenes from Christ’s life seem familiar to us? The greatness of God lives at the level of ordinary things. It is natural for a woman, a homemaker, to notice an oversight, to look after the little things that make life pleasant. And that is how Mary acted.

“Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5)

If our faith is weak, we should turn to Mary. Because of the miracle at the marriage feast at Cana, which Christ performed at his Mother’s request, his disciples learned to believe in him (cf. John 2:11). Our Mother is always interceding with her Son so that he may attend to our needs and show himself to us, so that we can cry out, “You are the Son of God.”

The Christian apostolate — and I’m talking about an ordinary Christian living as just one more man or woman among equals — is a great work of teaching. Through real, personal, loyal friendship, you create in others a hunger for God and you help them to discover new horizons — naturally, simply. With the example of your faith lived to the full, with a loving word, which is full of the force of divine truth.

Be daring. Count on the help of Mary, queen of apostles. Without ceasing to be a mother, Our Lady is able to get each of her children to face his own responsibilities. Mary always does the immense favor of bringing to the cross, of placing face to face with the example of the Son of God, those who come close to her and contemplate her life. It is in this confrontation that Christian life is decided. And here Mary intercedes for us so that our behavior may lead to a reconciliation of the younger brother — you and me — with the firstborn Son of the Father.

Many conversions, many decisions to give oneself to the service of God have been preceded by an encounter with Mary. Our Lady has encouraged us to look for God, to desire to change, to lead a new life. And so the “Do whatever he tells you” has turned into real self-giving, into a Christian vocation, which from then on enlightens all our personal life. (Christ is Passing By, 149)

Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaching about the Scriputre today, and an interesting part indeed. What does great nation mean then? Today? (Preached on Monday, June 22, 2015, St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City)

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Dave preaching a special Sunday homily in Minnesota. He claims that God is not finished yet. What do you think means? Have a listen. (Preached on Sunday, June 14, 2015, St. Cloud, Minnesota)

Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time. The interaction between Jesus and the scribe show us some very interesting things about God and the Kingdom of God. (Preached on Thursday, June 4, 2015, 12:15pm, St. Malachy's Church, New York City)

Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time. This the homily given by Father Dave Dwyer on the 15th anniversary of his ordination. A homily on humility, if you will. (Preached on Wednesday, May 27, 2015, St. Paul the Apostle Church, New York City)

Should we lower the Confederate Flag? Theis is still certainly a hot button topic, with faith reverberations. What do you think? Listen to Father Dave's take here with input from Kia, Brett, and callers. The Busted Halo Show with Father Dave Dwyer is on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Channel 129, Monday through Thursday, 7:00pm to 10:00pm and Fridays from 2: […]

These are excerpted segments from the special broadcasts Father Dave Dwyer recorded during his first pilgrimage to the Holy Land, alongside Lino Rulli, Brett Siddell, and several other American pilgrims. In this episode, you will hear more from Father Dave, Lino, Brett and the pilgrims from the Holy Sepulchre. The Busted Halo Show with Father Dave Dwyer is o […]

These are excerpted segments from the special broadcasts Father Dave Dwyer recorded during his first pilgrimage to the Holy Land, alongside Lino Rulli, Brett Siddell, and several other American pilgrims. In this episode, you will hear Father Dave, Lino, Brett and the pilgrims from the Holy Sepulchre. The Busted Halo Show with Father Dave Dwyer is on SiriusXM […]

These are excerpted segments from the special broadcasts Father Dave Dwyer recorded during his first pilgrimage to the Holy Land, alongside Lino Rulli, Brett Siddell, and several other American pilgrims. In this episode, you will hear Father Dave, Lino, Brett and the pilgrims from the dungeon that held Jesus and where Peter denied Him. The Busted Halo Show w […]

Recent Posts

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light

pope benedict address to diplomatic core - vatican.va
As a new year begins, our own hearts and the entire world continue to echo the joyful message proclaimed twenty centuries ago in the night of Bethlehem, a night which symbolizes humanity’s deep need for light, love and peace. To the men and women of that time, as to those of our own day, the heavenly hosts brought the good news of the coming of the Saviour: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined” (Is 9:1). The mystery of the Son of God who became the son of man truly surpasses all human expectations. In its absolute gratuitousness this saving event is the authentic and full response to the deep desire of every heart. The truth, goodness, happiness and abundant life which each man and woman consciously or unconsciously seeks are given to us by God. In longing for these gifts, each person is seeking his Creator, for “God alone responds to the yearning present in the heart of every man and woman” (Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini, 23). Humanity throughout history, in its beliefs and rituals, demonstrates a constant search for God and “these forms of religious expression are so universal that one may well call man a religious being” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 28). The religious dimension is an undeniable and irrepressible feature of man’s being and acting, the measure of the fulfilment of his destiny and of the building up of the community to which he belongs. Consequently, when the individual himself or those around him neglect or deny this fundamental dimension, imbalances and conflicts arise at all levels, both personal and interpersonal.

Each of us has dignity

The Parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son are reminders that each one of us has dignity and are worth everything to God who wants a relationship with us and for us to be happy forever.

The Multitudes Were Following After Him

The crowds were following Jesus when he turned around and made them think about something. Easy is it to follow him when it is convenient. Hard is it to follow him when doing so will cause us discomfort. Sometimes doing the right thing will cause us some discomfort but it is the cross that we are asked to bear.

Narrow Gate

There is a question that has always nagged believers: Will there be many or few people saved? During certain periods this problem became so acute as to cause some people terrible anxiety.

This Sunday's Gospel informs us that Jesus himself was once asked this question. "Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, 'Lord, will only a few people be saved?'"

The question, as we see, focuses on the number -- How many will be saved? Will it be many or few? In answering the question, Jesus shifts the focus from "how many" to "how" to be saved, that is, by entering "through the narrow gate."

We see this same attitude in regard to Jesus' second coming. The disciples ask "when" the return of the Son of Man will happen and Jesus answers indicating "how" we should prepare ourselves for that return, and what to do during the time of waiting (cf. Matthew 24:3-4).

Jesus' way of responding to these questions is not strange or discourteous. He is just acting in the way of one who wants to teach his disciples how to move from a life of curiosity to one of true wisdom; from the allure of idle questions to the real problems we need to grapple with in life.

From this we already see the absurdity of those who, like the Jehovah Witnesses, believe they know the precise number of the saved: 144,000.

This number, which recurs in the Book of Revelations has a purely symbolic value (the square of 12 -- the number of the tribes of Israel -- multiplied by 1,000) and is explained by the expression that immediately follows: "A great multitude that no man could number" (Revelations 7:4, 9).

Above all, if 144,000 is really the number, then we can both close up shop. Above the gate to heaven there must be a sign like the ones parking lots put up: "Full."

If, therefore, Jesus is not so much interested in revealing to us the number of the saved as he is in telling us how to be saved, we can understand what he is trying to tell us here. In substance, there are two things: one negative and the other positive.

It is useless, or rather it is not enough, to belong to a certain ethnic group, race, tradition, or institution, not even the chosen people from whom the Savior himself comes. What puts us on the road to salvation is not a title of ownership ("We ate and drank in your presence..."), but a personal decision, followed by a consistent way of life. This is even more clear in Matthew's text which contrasts two ways and two gates, one narrow and the other wide (cf. Matthew 7:13-14).

Why are these ways respectively called "narrow" and "wide"? Is it perhaps that the way of evil is always easy and pleasant to follow and the way of goodness always hard and tiresome?

Here we must be careful not to cede to the usual temptation of believing that here below everything goes magnificently well for the wicked and everything goes terribly for the good.

The way of the wicked is wide, but only at the beginning. As one goes down this way it gradually becomes narrow and bitter. In any case, it becomes very narrow at the end because it finishes in a blind alley.

The joy that is experienced in it has the characteristic of diminishing more and more as one tastes it, and it finally causes nausea and sadness. We see this in certain forms of intoxication experienced in drugs, alcohol and sex. A larger dose or stronger stimulation is needed each time to produce pleasure of the same intensity.

Finally the organism no longer responds and it begins to break down, even physically.

The way of the just is instead narrow at the beginning, when one starts off on it, but it then becomes a spacious boulevard because hope, joy and peace of heart are found in it.

Thoughts on Greed

Greed and envy focus a person on self. Those who pursue wealth seek security and safety. They use their riches to shield themselves from life's vicissitudes and to find comfort and confidence in material things. In the pursuit of wealth they lose sight of the real meaning of life because they are seduced by the illusion that with their fortune they can control their lives. Yet one day everyone will die - possessions cannot protect against that day.
source: Catholic-Bible-School.org

Novena Prayer to St Martha
"St. Martha, I resort to thy protection and aid and as a proof of my affection and faith I offer this light which I shall burn every Tuesday. Comfort me in all my difficulties and through the great favor thou didst enjoy when the Savior was lodged in thy house,. Intercede for my family that we may always hold God in our hearts, and that we may be provided for in all our necessities, I ask, St. Martha, to overcome all difficulties as thou didst overcome the dragon at thy feet."

Pope Benedict XVI on the sinful woman redeemed by love

The manner in which she chose to come before Jesus, bathing his feet with tears and drying them with her hair, kissing them and sprinkling scented oil upon them, was done to shock those who viewed people in her condition with the merciless eye of the judge.
What is striking, on the other hand, is the tenderness with which Jesus treated this woman, exploited and judged by so many. In Jesus she found at last a pure eye, a heart capable of loving without exploiting. In the gaze and heart of Jesus she received the revelation of God-Love!

To avoid any misunderstanding, it should be noted that Jesus' mercy was not expressed by putting moral law in parentheses. For Jesus, good is good and evil is evil. Mercy does not change the connotations of sin but consumes it in a fire of love.

Life is not just a succession of events or experiences; it is a search for the true, the good, and the beautiful. It is to this end that we make our choices; it is for this that we exercise our freedom; it is in this - in truth, in goodness, and in beauty - that we find happiness and joy. -PB16
Message for the 43rd World Communications Day May 24, 2009

I was wondering if there is a province of traditional OCDs. By traditional I do NOT mean tridentine or extraordinary form but rather mean closely following (as requested by Vatican II) the rule and constitutions created by Sts. Teresa of Jesus and John of the Cross. I've met good Carmelite friars, but none that really live the letter AND spirit of the r […]

Hi everyone, I know I've made threads like this before, but I'm just really searching for a used set of the four volume Liturgy of the Hours. Please let me know if you are willing to part with a set because I have been searching for a good used set for a while especially now to use at college during my daily prayer life. Thank you very much and I h […]

Got a bump on my head, and worrier that I am, I went to the ER. They did neurological exam, it was fine. Not impairments of any kind. Just a slight tenderness where there bump is (I'm currently icing it, just like they told me). Could you please pray for me that this really is nothing serious? They told me that if there was any indication that I needed […]

Since their December arrival in Vietnam, U.S. Ambassador Ted Osius and his husband have become the most prominent gay couple in the Southeast Asian country. Osius and Clayton Bond landed with their toddler son shortly before the government abolished its ban on same-sex marriage. Now the couple, who recently adopted an infant girl, find themselves ambassadors […]

What is the church's view on praying the rosary? Should you pray the 50 or 150 version. I usually pray the rosary while driving to and from work. I just say the various prayers. I usually finish with with something other than the holy queen prayer. Have never been able to memorize it and can't read it while driving. Thanks

http://news.yahoo.com/france-britain-present-united-front-anger-soars-over-173522328.html France and Britain vowed Sunday that a cross-Channel migrant crisis was their "top priority" in a united front that belied simmering anger over an issue which has become a political hot potato. Heightened security has curbed the number of attempts by migrants […]

Hello, My diocese requires a 9 month period before getting married here in the US. However I will be having the wedding outside the US in January(In the place where I'm originally from and where my fiancee currently lives). We're both raised Catholic and have all the sacraments.We attend mass regularly and are devout Catholics.The only thing ' […]

Hi, I know one of the sins we can be excommunicated for is desecrating the Eucharist. What exactly counts as "desecration"? I know that receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin would be the mortal sin of sacrilege, but would one also be excommunicated for receiving communion in mortal sin?

Suppose a Catholic got really sloppy and decided to resort to that common protestant logical fallacy, post hoc ergo propter hoc. Is there an ancient pagan religion with a "doctrine" that could be compared with sola Scriptura? I'm thinking not, simply because Gutenberg had not yet done his thing. But I suppose there could be a single copy of […]

John baptized with water but one mightier than him is coming who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire

Joy to the worldShout for joy, O daughter Zion!

Sing joyfully, O Israel!

Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!

The LORD has removed the judgment against you
he has turned away your enemies;

the King of Israel,
the LORD,
is in your midst,
a mighty savior

Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!

The LORD, your God, is in your midst,

he will rejoice over you
with GLADNESS,
and renew you in his love,
he will sing JOYFULLY because of you,
as one sings at FESTIVALS.

Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Now the people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.

I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.

I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.